Six Months Later
Elaine POV
“Are you ready for school, Ellie!” Fran squealed as she burst into my room. “You must not be because you’re late for breakfast.”
I set the brush down and exhaled. “I haven’t been in school in forever I’m nervous.”
“It’s college not high school. Everyone’s worried about their own problems.”
I enrolled in Wolf Village Community College. They had a degree in medicine. Fran was in her second year of studying for a degree in biological science. It was good to have a familiar face on campus.
“Yeah, you’re right. I have nothing to worry about.”
Fran’s eye twitched and I frowned.
She nodded to cover up her natural response to lying. “Yes, of course! I can’t wait to have lunch and hear all about it already.”
“Fran…”
She grabbed my wrist and dragged me downstairs.
The major downside of starting school was being away from Azaire. I wouldn’t have enough time with him and he was already so busy. Richie was on a campaign to strengthen the Pack and take care of their tribe Packs.
He was already gone when I woke up this morning.
Fran stopped before we marched into the dining room for breakfast.
“I’m going to the Black Claw Pack after my classes. Want to come?”
I offered her a small smile. “I’d love to see Blazer but no…”
“I know I just thought I’d offer.”
I hadn’t returned since Dad died. Blazer became Alpha and has been doing fine ever since. He’s been in a relationship with Fran too but she isn’t in a rush to move in or anything. She’s keeping him on his toes.
“I don’t know what you’re waiting for. The Pack wants a Mating Ceremony!” Azaire’s Mom, Janet ranted.
I cringed. She was at it again.
“Good morning everyone,” Fran said.
I couldn’t back out now. Richie and Opal looked like they would rather be anywhere but at the breakfast table. Janet sat at the head of the table staring at the Alpha and his impending Luna intently. They had this conversation every day.
Opal was seven months pregnant. She was always exhausted and didn’t have the patience for it.
“Oh, there’s Elaine! Why don’t you question her about when her mating ceremony is?” Richie announced.
I froze. “Excuse me?”
Janet narrowed her eyes on her son. “Her mate isn’t the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, Richie.”
“We promise to have the mating ceremony after the baby’s born,” Opal said gently but with an edge in her tone.
Janet puffed. “That’s so improper. Consider an intimate ceremony. Back in my day, it was bad luck for a baby to be born to unmated wolves.”
Opal gasped. “Really?”
Richie growled. “That was a hundred years ago.”
“Okay, I think I’ll get going. Big day today,” I said scurrying out of there before things got worse.
Azaire wasn’t at breakfast so I assumed he was at the beta army or at the border.
“It’s about time you woke up. You’re going to be late,” Azaire said.
He leaned against his new black four-by-four vehicle. Butterflies filled my stomach and my heart swelled. A bright smile spread on my face and I buried my face in his chest. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead.
“I didn’t know you were around,” I said.
“You thought I’d miss your first day?” he chuckled. “Not a chance. I stuff to do but you’re more important and you know it.”
“Is everything okay in the Pack?” I asked.
“Of course, come on,” he said, moving around the car to open the passenger door for me.
“You better not leave without me!” Fran called, running after us with a sandwich in her right hand.
***
Azaire parked in front of Wolf Village Community College, a bustling campus with less than two hundred students. I felt nauseous and my palms sweat. It was all so new to me but this was all I wanted to do. I wanted to work in the medical field since I was little and I discovered I couldn’t heal on my own. Now, I’m no longer cursed and my wolf can heal me faster than Azaire’s wolf can heal him but being a doctor is still the dream.
“There she is! The place has more character than what is seems at first glance,” Fran said.
I sighed.
Azaire rubbed my thigh. “You’ll do great, babe. Want me to pick you up after your classes?”
“No, I’ll be fine. I’ll see you at home.”
Fran giggled. “I hope you’re not worried cuz.”
Azaire stared at her in the backseat. “Why would I be? Elaine’s a big girl.”
Fran laughed. “She’s also a catch. I can imagine all the guys falling at her feet.”
I cupped my face and whimpered. “Fran…”
Azaire growled. “That won’t happen.”
“I’d keep it in mind. Your girlfriend’s hot and other guys are going to notice. See you later!” She popped the door open and climbed out.
I grinned at Azaire and he grunted.
“Why did you wear a shirt that covers your mate mark?”
I burst into laughter. “Don’t listen to Fran! I’m all yours.”
He leaned in and planted a kiss on my lips. “I love you.”
“I love you more. I don’t want to be late, goodbye.”
I climbed out of the car. This was the start of a new chapter. It was exciting and I had to pinch myself because I almost gave up on this dream. If it were for Azaire insisting on me applying to every college I might not be here.
The school was buzzing with students chatting and laughing but the second I appeared the chatter died. All eyes focused on me. Others shifted away and inched closer to the person they were next to. Sparks of malicious laughter clawed at my ears. A group of girls eyed me with disdain the murmurs were intense.
It felt like an assault on my senses.
“There she is,” someone whispered.
“The Black Claw girl.”
“The enemy.”